Students in Foster Care

Students in foster care often face the challenge of changing school placements due to changes in their home placement.  Flagler County Schools works diligently as a team with child protection agencies, sending school districts, foster placements, guidance counselors, and staffing specialists to determine the best course of action for the child – whether to remain in their school of origin or transfer to a new school setting.

The Importance of Consistency 

Keeping students in their school of origin helps provide stability in their education, maintain important relationships, and offer stability during a traumatic time.  If it is determined that remaining in the school of original is not in the child’s best interested, the student will be enrolled in a new school as decided by the team.

Preventing Educational Discontinuity

This determination is made as quickly as possible to prevent educational discontinuity.  Students in foster care are required to have a shelter order and/or letters of assurance (regarding consent for placement and medication consent), but a lack of records such as birth certificate and health records cannot delay a student from beginning school.  Child protective case managers have 30 days to provide these records to the school. 

Flagler Schools' Goal for Foster Children

The goal of the school district is to have the student begin schooling as quickly as possible to minimize any further absence from their education.